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Our History and Milestones

Our History and Milestones

From an idea to a global technology leader.

For more than 75 years, Oerlikon Balzers has stood for pioneering developments and global technology leadership in thin-film coatings. We live our passion for surface solutions with a unique combination of sustainability, innovative drive, entrepreneurial spirit and tradition. This benefits our customers – and our environment – yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Historical milestones

  1. With the support of Prince Franz Josef II of Liechtenstein and Swiss industrialist Emil Georg Bührle, Professor Max Auwärter founds the Gerätebauanstalt Balzers. In 1976, Balzers AG is integrated into the Oerlikon Group.

  2. Introduction of the BALINIT C (WC/C) carbon coating

  3. Technological breakthrough with proprietary and patented P3e™ technology which allows deposition of hard aluminium-oxide coatings at coating temperatures clearly below 600°C

  4. Launch of BALINIT FORMERA / FORMERA PLUS – the coating solution for AHSS forming applications

  5. 75 years of Oerlikon Balzers: endless passion for sustainable surface solutions

  6. The "Smooth Revolution" celebrates its anniversary: The first BALIQ coatings were introduced 10 years ago

Timeline

Timeline filter

  1. 1940
  2. 1941
  3. 1942
  4. 1943
  5. 1944
  6. 1945
  7. 1946
  8. 1947
  9. 1948
  10. 1949
  11. 1950
  12. 1951
  13. 1952
  14. 1953
  15. 1954
  16. 1955
  17. 1956
  18. 1957
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  20. 1959
  21. 1960
  22. 1961
  23. 1962
  24. 1963
  25. 1964
  26. 1965
  27. 1966
  28. 1967
  29. 1968
  30. 1969
  31. 1970
  32. 1971
  33. 1972
  34. 1973
  35. 1974
  36. 1975
  37. 1976
  38. 1977
  39. 1978
  40. 1979
  41. 1980
  42. 1981
  43. 1982
  44. 1983
  45. 1984
  46. 1985
  47. 1986
  48. 1987
  49. 1988
  50. 1989
  51. 1990
  52. 1991
  53. 1992
  54. 1993
  55. 1994
  56. 1995
  57. 1996
  58. 1997
  59. 1998
  60. 1999
  61. 2000
  62. 2001
  63. 2002
  64. 2003
  65. 2004
  66. 2005
  67. 2006
  68. 2007
  69. 2008
  70. 2009
  71. 2010
  72. 2011
  73. 2012
  74. 2013 2013 2 Events
  75. 2014
  76. 2015 2015 3 Events
  77. 2016 2016 4 Events
  78. 2017 2017 10 Events
  79. 2018 2018 10 Events
  80. 2019 2019 17 Events
  81. 2020 2020 11 Events
  82. 2021 2021 10 Events
  83. 2022 2022 5 Events
  84. 2023 2023 6 Events
  85. 2024 2024 5 Events
  86. 2025 2025 5 Events

Oerlikon inaugurates “Smart Integrated Surface Solutions Center” in Tumakuru, India

Oerlikon celebrated the grand opening of its new “Smart Integrated Surface Solutions Centre” in Tumakuru, strategically located on the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor. This integrated customer service center offers comprehensive solutions for tool and automotive component coatings, as well as thermal spray applications – all under one roof – further enhancing Oerlikon’s capabilities and service offerings. This investment strengthens Oerlikon’s presence in India’s rapidly growing industrial sector. Oerlikon is committed to driving innovation, delivering superior solutions for a wide range of industries.

BALDIA VARIA – an advanced diamond coating for efficient machining of special materials

Oerlikon Balzers introduces BALDIA VARIA, a new advanced chemical vapor deposition (CVD) diamond coating engineered for cutting tools used to machine lightweight and ceramic materials. Supporting progressive wear behavior on a wide range of tool sizes and geometries, this coating responds to the growing demand for a more efficient machining of these special materials.

Oerlikon Thailand celebrates 20 years of excellence in Surface Solutions

Oerlikon proudly marked a major milestone as its coating center in Thailand celebrated 20 years of delivering innovation, precision, and world-class service in surface solutions. The anniversary event underscored Oerlikon’s commitment to advancing technologies across industries, with a special focus on local-to-local PVD coating service for tools and components as well as global-to-local offerings such as PVD and thermal spray equipment, additive manufacturing and materials.

BALINIT OPTURA: PVD coating for high-performance drilling in steel and cast iron

Oerlikon Balzers launches BALINIT OPTURA, a new high-performance PVD coating engineered for drilling in steel and cast iron. Designed to meet the diverse demands of modern manufacturing, BALINIT OPTURA enhances productivity, tool service life, process reliability and versatility across a wide range of materials and cutting conditions. This innovation reflects Oerlikon’s commitment to delivering sustainable, high-efficiency solutions that support productivity and resource-conscious manufacturing in the metalworking industry.

INSPIRA carbon – integrating S3p technology to enhance productivity and quality of carbon coatings

Oerlikon Balzers introduces INSPIRA carbon, a new coating platform integrating S3p Technology. It enables high-quality carbon coatings that improve the performance and durability of precision components, extending the service life of critical parts across industries. Through INSPIRA carbon, Oerlikon strengthens its mission to deliver innovative industrial solutions that enhance customer products through advanced surface technologies.

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Contact

Oerlikon (Thailand) Co., Ltd.; Amata Nakorn Industrial Estate Phase 4, 700/538 M.6, T. Donhualoh A.Muang, 20000 Chonburi, Thailand

© Copyright 2025 OC Oerlikon Management AG

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